Newcastle's new signing Chris Wood is expected to make his debut in the absence of the injured Callum Wilson.
Paul Dummett and Jamal Lewis are edging closer to a return from injury, while Javier Manquillo is suspended.
Watford's Emmanuel Dennis, Kiko Femenia, Ben Foster and Christian Kabasele all face fitness tests.
New signings Hassane Kamara, Edo Kayembe and Samir are available but Peter Etebo, Nicolas Nkoulou and Ismaila Sarr remain out.
Imran Louza, Adam Masina and William Troost-Ekong are at the Africa Cup of Nations.
LAWRO'S PREDICTION
You can just picture the scene at St James' Park - there will be a full house and, with new signing Chris Wood, they will be expecting a really good performance and a win.